in 1933, marshall received his law degree. his naacp, he fought for the civil rights of black americans. but what marked his time in history was the 1954 landmark case brown versus board of education. the supreme court struck down the separate but equal doctrine opening the way for integration of schools. but president eisenhower still called for patient on the issue of integration. >> i personally believe if you try to go too far too fast in laws in this delegate field, that has involved the emotions of so many millions of americans you're making a mistake. >> thurgood marshal representing one of the rebuffed students said they have been patient enough. >> maybe you can override prejudice overnight. but the emancipation proclamation was issued in 1863. 90 odd years ago. i believe in gradualism. i also believe that 90 odd years is pretty gradual. >> reporter: lindon johnson named marshall to the supreme court of the u.s. this great grandson of slaves became the first black man to serve in the nation's highest court. now at age